1920s Child’s Expanding Bicycle

This unusual child’s bicycle has the ability to expand (below) to convert into a larger frame machine. I’ve no idea of its source; there’s is no name on it apart from the initials ‘RBN’ on the front mudguard, which I assume to relate to the mudguard manufacturer. The nuts are metric so it’s European rather than a British maker. Presumably it’s either German or French. I spent many hours browsing patents and found a few other examples of expanding bicycles, but nothing directly relevant to this bicycle.

Its appearance is somewhat ‘ageless’ but extending the seat tube and rear stays reveals nickel rather than chrome, so I’ve assumed a 1920 manufacture.

It is extremely well-designed, and it’s very easy to expand the frame. It’s a shame that such a practical and elegantly built machine has lost the name of its maker, but I’m grateful that this bicycle has survived.

EXTENDING THE BICYCLE

There are four bolts to loosen, two above and two below.

The front end is telescopic, below.

The seat tube and rear stays can be extended to raise the saddle, below.